Settlement Permits for Third-Country Nationals
A third-country national may apply for settlement in Hungary, also known as long-term residence status, if they have resided continuously in Hungary for an extended period and meet the legal requirements.
The following types of settlement permits are available in Hungary. We assist with the application process and the extension of existing permits:
Temporary Residence Card
The Temporary Residence Card grants a derivative residence right connected to the EU residence permit for long-term residents issued by another Member State of the European Union.
A third-country national holding a long-term resident EU residence permit issued by an EU Member State may obtain a Temporary Residence Card if they wish to reside in Hungary for one of the following purposes and meet the additional legal requirements:
a) For employment or business activities (excluding seasonal work),
b) For studies or vocational training,
c) For other justified purposes.
Family members of third-country nationals applying for a Temporary Residence Card together with the primary applicant may also receive a Temporary Residence Card, provided that the family relationship already existed in the EU Member State that issued the long-term resident EU residence permit and they meet the additional legal requirements.
The Temporary Residence Card is valid for up to five years and may be extended for up to five years at a time.
Long-Term Residence Card
The following individuals are eligible for long-term residence:
- A family member of an EEA citizen who has legally and continuously resided in Hungary for five years.
- A person with residual right of residence linked to an EEA citizen, who has also legally and continuously resided in Hungary for five years.
- A child born in Hungary to a parent holding a permanent residence permit.
A person with the right to reside as a family member of an EEA citizen who has acquired permanent residence through one of the specified privileges is also eligible for long-term residence.
National Residence Card
(previously known as the National Settlement Permit)
A National Residence Card for long-term residence in Hungary may be issued to a third-country national who holds a residence permit, temporary settlement permit, or temporary residence card, and meets one of the following criteria:
a) Has legally and continuously resided in Hungary for at least three years immediately prior to submitting the application.
b) Has lived in a family community for at least one year with a Hungarian citizen, a third-country national with long-term residence status, or a recognized refugee.
c) Hungarian citizen, is the spouse of a third-country national with long-term residence status, or a recognized refugee, provided that the marriage was concluded at least two years prior to the application.
d) Was previously a Hungarian citizen, or their ascendant was or had been a Hungarian citizen.
e) Is a minor child of a third-country national with long-term residence status or recognized refugee status.
Additional conditions for obtaining the National Residence Card include:
a) The long-term residence must align with Hungary’s interests.
b) The applicant must meet the social integration criteria specified by law.
A third-country national cannot receive a National Residence Card if they hold a residence permit for:
a) Guest self-employment,
b) Seasonal employment,
c) Employment related to the implementation of an investment,
d) Employment purposes,
e) Guest worker residence,
f) Studies, including job search and business start-up,
g) Training purposes,
h) Temporary residence,
i) Medical treatment,
j) White Card,
k) Intra-corporate transfer,
l) Internship,
m) Voluntary activities.
Leaving Hungary for less than four months at a time does not interrupt continuous residence, provided that the total duration of such absences within the three years prior to the application does not exceed 270 days.
National Residence Card Issued for Reasons of National Interest
In cases of national interest, a third-country national may receive a National Residence Card even if they do not meet the specified conditions, based on a decision by the Minister responsible for immigration and asylum.
When issuing a National Residence Card for national interest, the Minister may consider Hungary’s economic, national policy, scientific, cultural, and sports interests.
EU Residence Card
(previously known as the EC Settlement Permit)
An EU Residence Card for long-term residence in Hungary may be issued to a third-country national who:
- a) Has legally and continuously resided in Hungary for at least five years immediately prior to submitting the application.
b) Holds an EU Blue Card and:
- Has legally and continuously resided in Hungary for at least two years immediately prior to submitting the application while holding an EU Blue Card.
- Has legally and continuously resided in the European Union for at least five years, holding an EU Blue Card, a residence permit for research purposes, or a study permit.
The following third-country nationals cannot receive an EU Residence Card
a) Those residing in Hungary for the purpose of higher education or vocational training,
b) Those staying in Hungary for seasonal employment or as volunteers,
c) Those residing in Hungary based on diplomatic or other personal immunity,
d) Those awaiting the final decision on their application for refugee status or temporary or complementary protection from the Hungarian asylum authority,
e) Persons under protection,
f) Third-country nationals recognized as refugees or granted complementary protection by the asylum authority, court, or an EU Member State—if their refugee or complementary protection status has been revoked,
g) Third-country nationals under temporary protection.The duration of previous lawful residence for seasonal employment, volunteer activities, or diplomatic or other personal immunity does not count toward the required residence duration for EU Residence Card eligibility.
For the purposes of EU Residence Card eligibility—with the exception of the EU Blue Card—only half of the duration of previous lawful residence for higher education or vocational training is counted. In the case of an EU Blue Card, half of the time spent in other EU Member States for higher education or vocational training is also counted toward the required residence duration.
The following do not interrupt continuous residence for the purposes of qualifying for the EU Residence Card:
a) For non-EU Blue Card holders: Leaving Hungary for no longer than six months at a time, provided that the total duration of absences within five years does not exceed 300 days.
b) For EU Blue Card holders: Leaving any EU Member State for no longer than 12 months at a time, provided that the total duration of absences within five years does not exceed 18 months.